4-Day Itinerary to Joshimath

Sunday September 24: Arrival in Rishikesh

Welcome to Rishikesh, the gateway to the Himalayas! Start your day with a morning visit to the iconic Lakshman Jhula, a suspension bridge over the holy Ganges River. Afternoon is the perfect time to explore the spiritual side of Rishikesh by visiting the famous ashrams like Parmarth Niketan and attending the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat. In the evening, enjoy a serene walk along the riverbank and immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of this spiritual town.

  • Lakshman Jhula: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Parmarth Niketan: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat: Free, 1 hour
Monday September 25: Auli

Embark on a scenic road trip to Auli, a picturesque hill station nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas. Morning is the perfect time to take the cable car ride to Auli, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Spend your afternoon exploring the meadows and hiking trails of Auli, or indulge in thrilling activities like skiing or paragliding (subject to availability and weather conditions). In the evening, unwind and enjoy the serene beauty of the mountains.

  • Cable Car Ride to Auli: INR 750 (round trip), 2-3 hours
  • Hiking/Skiing/Paragliding: Costs may vary, 3-4 hours
Tuesday September 26: Badrinath

Today, venture on a day trip to Badrinath, one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. In the morning, visit the Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of this sacred place. Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby attractions like the Mana Village, where you can witness the confluence of rivers Saraswati and Alaknanda. In the evening, return to Joshimath and relax.

  • Badrinath Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Mana Village: Free, 1-2 hours
Wednesday September 27: Joshimath

Explore the charming town of Joshimath, surrounded by majestic mountains. In the morning, visit the Narsimha Temple, a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Narsimha, and seek blessings. Afterward, take a scenic drive to the enchanting Valley of Flowers National Park, known for its diverse alpine flora. Spend the afternoon hiking through the colorful meadows and capturing the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, return to Joshimath and enjoy the tranquility of the town.

  • Narsimha Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Valley of Flowers National Park: Entry fee INR 300, 4-5 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring the region, don't miss out on visiting the charming village of Tapovan, located near Rishikesh. This serene place offers stunning views of the Himalayas, and you can also indulge in yoga and meditation retreats. Another hidden gem is the tranquil town of Malari, located near Badrinath. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, Malari offers a unique glimpse into the local culture and traditions of the region. Make sure to interact with the locals and try the authentic Garhwali cuisine for a truly immersive experience.

For hotel and flight bookings, check out this link to find the best prices.

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